Looking for first-hand experiences from adults on language stays in Canada

Hi, I’m looking for real first-hand experiences from adults who’ve done a language stay in Canada, specifically in Vancouver or Toronto.

There are so many different schools and reviews that are both negative and positive (how can you tell if they’re genuine?!) that I’d rather hear from real people.

I’m looking for fun courses where you really make progress in speaking and comprehension. + Homestay accommodation: good or bad idea?

I’m 35—this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me since I’ve dreamed about it since I was 17! I really don’t want to mess this up, especially given how much it costs!

Hey, no worries, I think. I was part of an organization for a month that helped job seekers adapt to the job market in Vancouver (I can provide references in a private message). We had English classes with a native English speaker—it was really good, no problems at all. Anyway, if you pay the price, you’ll still get quality. Just don’t lose sight of the fact that in Canada, the hidden job market is important—everything happens through connections and networking, especially if you’re looking for a job afterward or if you have a Working Holiday Visa (WHV).

Hi, You can check out the Home Language International (HLI) website. I went with them twice (Australia when I was 47 and New Zealand when I was 54), but they also offer programs in Vancouver and Toronto. Since I wanted to focus on conversation (not classes), I chose the option where you stay with your "teacher" and do a few activities to explore the area. I had a fantastic time! Both times, my "teachers" were very dynamic women with incredible life experiences—I never got bored!